Third-party cookies are disabled by default in most browsers now, but you can turn them back on if a website you use needs them to work
Most modern browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge — now block third-party cookies by default. Third-party cookies are tracking files placed by advertisers and data brokers, not by the website you're visiting. Websites sometimes use them for embedded features like payment processors, live chat, or video players. If a site tells you something isn't working and mentions cookies, you may need to re-enable them for that specific site or across your whole browser.
The steps differ by browser. You'll find the setting in your browser's privacy or cookie settings, and you can usually allow third-party cookies globally or just for the websites you trust. Turning them back on does mean advertisers can track you across sites again, so this is a choice to make deliberately, not by accident.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all block third-party cookies by default, but each browser has a different menu path to turn them back on.
- You can allow third-party cookies for all websites or just for specific sites you trust, depending on your browser.
- Turning on third-party cookies means advertisers can follow you across the web again, so only do this for sites that genuinely need them.
- If a website's feature stops working, clearing your cookies and cache first often fixes the problem without needing to change your privacy settings.
Enable third-party cookies in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Privacy and security in the left menu. Click Cookies and other site data.
You'll see a section called "Cookies and other site data". Look for the option that says Block third-party cookies — it should have a toggle next to it. Click the toggle to turn it off. Chrome will then allow third-party cookies on all websites.
If you only want to allow third-party cookies on specific sites, keep the toggle on and scroll down to find Sites that can always use cookies. Click Add and type the website address. Chrome will then allow third-party cookies only on that site.
Enable third-party cookies in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Privacy & Security in the left menu. Scroll down to the section called Cookies and Site Data.
You'll see a checkbox that says Reject third-party tracking cookies. Uncheck this box to allow third-party cookies. If you want to allow them only on certain sites, keep the box checked and use the Manage Exceptions button below it to add specific website addresses.
Enable third-party cookies in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Privacy tab.
Look for the option that says Prevent cross-site tracking. Uncheck this box to allow third-party cookies. Safari doesn't offer a per-site exception for this setting, so you'll be allowing third-party cookies globally if you turn it off.
Enable third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Privacy, search, and services in the left menu. Scroll down to Cookies and other site data.
You'll see an option called Tracking prevention. Set it to Basic instead of Balanced or Strict. Basic mode allows third-party cookies. If you want to allow them only on specific sites, keep it set to Balanced or Strict and scroll down to Manage exceptions to add website addresses.
When to clear cookies and cache first
Before you change your cookie settings, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Sometimes a website feature stops working because old or corrupted cookie data is in the way, not because third-party cookies are blocked. Clearing them often fixes the problem without needing to change your privacy settings.
In Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, you can clear cookies by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac). Select All time as the time range, check Cookies and other site data, and click Clear data. Then reload the website and see if the feature works.
Understanding the privacy trade-off
Third-party cookies let advertisers and data brokers track you across different websites. When you turn them back on, you're allowing companies you've never heard of to see which sites you visit and what you do on them. This data is used to build profiles about your interests and sell targeted ads.
Most people don't need third-party cookies on. Websites that require them usually tell you directly — a payment processor won't work, a live chat won't load, or a video player will show an error. If a site works fine without changing your settings, there's no reason to turn them on. Only enable them for sites you actively use and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning on third-party cookies make websites faster?
No. Third-party cookies don't affect website speed. If a website is slow, it's usually a problem with the site itself or your internet connection, not your cookie settings. Clearing your cache might help if you're seeing old versions of pages, but enabling third-party cookies won't speed anything up.
Can I turn third-party cookies on just for one website?
Yes, most browsers let you add exceptions. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, you can add specific website addresses to an allow list so third-party cookies work only on those sites. Safari doesn't offer per-site exceptions for cross-site tracking, so you have to choose all or nothing.
What's the difference between first-party and third-party cookies?
First-party cookies are set by the website you're visiting and help it remember your login, shopping cart, or preferences. Third-party cookies are set by other companies — advertisers, analytics services, or payment processors — and let them track you across multiple websites. Browsers block third-party cookies by default because they're used for tracking, not for making websites work.
If I turn off third-party cookies again, will websites remember my choice?
Yes. Your browser settings are stored locally on your device. If you turn third-party cookies back off, websites won't remember that you had them on — your browser will just go back to blocking them. You'll need to change the setting again if you want to turn them back on later.